Gay conversion therapy now illegal in Malta

Malta's parliament has voted to pass a bill that criminalizes gay conversion therapy on Monday, becoming the first country in Europe to ban the controversial practice.

Under the Affirmation of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Gender Expression Bill, those who advertise, offer, perform or refer an individual to another person who practices any form of conversion therapy can be fined or jailed, according to Times of Malta.

The bill also states that no sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression can be considered as a disease or disorder.

Gay conversion therapy utilizes various methods including inducing vomiting, shaming and electric shock therapy in order to transform a person's sexual orientation to heterosexual.

The practice has been widely denounced, but supporters have argued that it uses common psychological or counseling techniques to help people change their sexual orientation voluntarily.

The move to declare it illegal was welcomed by the Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP), which described the practice as "inhumane," according to Russia Today.

"The Malta Chamber of Psychologists (MCP), The Maltese Association of Psychiatry (MAP), The Malta Association of Family Therapy & Systemic Practice (MAFT–SP), as well as the Malta Association for the Counselling Profession (MACP) are together, very proud to have played an integral part in the drafting of this bill ... which openly disapproves of practices which are harmful to people in our community," the group stated.

According to a report from The Guardian, medical professionals who prescribe such therapies could be fined up to €10,000 and be sentenced prison for up to a year. However, judges can impose lesser fines of €1,000 to €5,000 and shorter sentences in some cases.

The amendments to the Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sex Characteristics Act also allows 16-year-olds to request gender change on official documents without their parents' permission. Previously, those who are under the age of 18 are required to file an application in court with the approval of their parents or guardian.

Malta has been hailed by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association as the best European country for LGBT equality.